A new module from the Schools of Physiotherapy and Population Health at RCSI will give healthcare professionals the tools to support their patients in improving their physical activity.

Designed to complement the HSE ‘Making Every Contact Count’ (MECC) initiative, the course entitled, ‘Physical Activity and Health Behaviour Change in Clinical Populations’, aims to encourage understanding amongst healthcare professionals into the behaviour change interventions required to help patients to improve health outcomes.

Due to commence on in February 2023, the course has been developed based on the European Credit Transfer System and Ireland’s National Framework of Qualifications.

The course content will be blended in its delivery and comprise three interconnecting units as follows:

1. Fundamentals of Physical Activity (commencing 2 February 2023)
2. Principles and Practice of Behaviour Change (commencing 10 March 2023)
3. Communication Skills (commencing 21 April 2023)

The units have been designed to support learners in learning through real-life cases that healthcare professionals may encounter, including approaches to motivate and measure physical activity, the factors influencing physical activity behaviour, why behaviour change is such a challenge, underpinning theory, and tools and communication approaches that can be used to support change.

Worldwide, populations are being encouraged to increase physical activity in order to improve general health. The National Physical Activity Plan in Ireland aims to increase the number of people meeting the physical activity guidelines by 1% every year.

Professor Suzanne McDonough, Head of the School of Physiotherapy at RCSI, said: “Physical activity is proven to protect health and help to prevent millions of deaths every year. Despite this, approximately one-in-four adults and four-in-five adolescents around the world do not meet the recommended guidelines for physical activity. This places people and particularly those with health conditions at risk of accumulating further health conditions associated with poorer health outcomes.”

Learners will be offered the opportunity to put newly learned skills to practical use in RCSI’s internationally renowned simulation facilities. They will also have access to online interactive materials, followed by in-person workshops in the St Stephen's Green Campus in RCSI Dublin.

Applications to this module are invited from healthcare professionals (currently physiotherapy and occupational therapy).

You can find further information and learn how to apply here.

Find out more about RCSI's School of Physiotherapy here, or discover information on our School of Population Health here.